Jean and Barbara do the Canadian Rockies part five!

[jeanwales]

Day five

After our Skype with the men we had breakfast in the hotel,




which was ok but not as good as our previous days then we left the hotel. Quite sad as we had loved it there. The weather was brilliant and we made our way back down the parkway this time stopping at the Columbia icefields for our trip on the glacier. We got an early slot which was great as it gets really busy later in the day. We got on a coach for the first stage and it took us to the edge of the glacier then we boarded a big tank like bus with big wheels for the next bit - you go down a steep slope then up and out onto the glacier.



















An amazing experience which we enjoyed. When we got to the middle we got off and had a walk round. Some people were collecting the water and ice into a bottle to drink. We then came back down and carried on driving and stopped for lunch at the crossing. Then down further, with many stops for the scenery.









The lakes seemed bluer today and we stopped at same places as way up it photos seemed different.









We finally reached Banff and found our last hotel of the trip Banff aspen lodge .



We had a bit of bother checking in as I had booked direct with the hotel over 6 months ago and had requested 2 rooms on a high floor with a mountain view and near each other. Had an email back saying this but when we arrived, one on first and one on third. After a bit of jiggling we got them both on third but at opposite ends and one had a view but one was over the parking lot! Decided we weren't in them long enough to complain any more, the rooms were very big though and the bed comfortable. But a bit disappointed with my view!



The room was good though



We then walked up the main street of Banff and it was really pretty with lots of small interesting shops. We decided to eat at St James gate an Irish pub and had a steak boxty. I had no idea what it was but apparently it's a cheese and onion potato pancake. It was ok but very filling - then we strolled back to the hotel and just relaxed.

[Michele]

Lovely report Jean, And such wonderful photos.

[fudgesky]

photos are outstanding! xx

[purple myra]

Shame about your view from the hotel but all your photos look amazing!

[ginger ninja]

More amazing pics and have to agree the lakes look bluer

[Guest]

Really enjoying your reports Jean. They are bringing back lovely memories. I remember the fear I felt when the big bus went down the slope to the ice field x

[MarionG]

When we went on to the Icefield everyone was told not to stray beyond the red cones as there was a danger of falling through the ice. So why do some numpty people then decide that they can wander off and they will be fine...think the tour guide nearly had a heart attack!
Once again beautiful photos...

[Guest]

Lol! There was someone on our ice explorer wearing flip flops! They weren't on the glacier long.

Did you see how blue the ice was down the crevices? Amazing.

[jeanwales]

haha yes, we saw some not dressed for the occasion!
As we left to go back down, there were a load of japanese visitors who kept trying to fill their bottles with water. They got their clothes really wet trying!

[Tinkers]

Another great day the glacier trip looks amazing. Who did you book it through Jean? Shame about your view, but the room looks lovely.